Grief counselling for loss of dog?

ClubDead

My dog died three months ago. I've been devastated by her loss. My husband thinks I should try counselling but I wonder if I'd be taken seriously. I've had some hurtful comments from friends and family, people who knew how close we where but have belittled my grief. If anyone here has had grief counselling should I look for a certain type of counselor? Did you find it helpful? Thank you.

VonVix

Grief is grief. Any good counsellor will be able to recognize that and help you through it, they don't have to have experienced the same themselves in order to understand and help you work through it. I'm sorry you have had friends and family say hurtful things, that's shows a lack of empathy on their part and is no reflection on what you should be feeling.

Just remember, a dog intends to bring us joy for their entire lifetime, the last thing they would want is a legacy of grief and sadness, that's not what they bring when they come into our lives, don't let it be all what they leave behind.

I hope you find peace after losing your dog, it would be good to find someone professional to speak to, take care of yourself. x

Cherry Blossom

Hi OP,

I had bereavement counselling through the HSE after my dad died. I had to join a waiting list for over a year to get it though. This was quite some time ago but as far as I know the HSE’s counselling services are still in high demand and resources are really stretched. Where I am there are a few family resource centres that have a Councellor attached and it is a free service here. I think this is still happening by phone at the minute but that might change within the next few months. Ring around your local family resource centres to see do they have a Councellor they work with. I’d say that’s your best bet. There’s not much of a wait here for this service.

anewme

i hope you are ok OP. The loss of a jet can be devastating. There are many options open to you and absolutely you should speak to someone.

The people belittling your grief are more to be pitied; clearly never knew the joy or love of a pet.

https://www.her.ie/life/goodbye-best-friend-deal-loss-family-pet-404927

tk123

I’m sorry for your loss OP and I’m sorry that you’ve had hurtful comments. We all handle grief differently. I still randomly burst into tears a year and half after losing my girl.

I think if you feel like you need somebody to talk to - especially as you don’t seem to be getting the support and empathy you need then it’s a great idea.

ClubDead

Thank you all for the kind comments, it means the world to me.

mary 2021

HI the grief for the death of a pet is very real and should be treated like any grief however only ourselves realise this. There are dog owners and dog lovers and these two groups are poles apart. A dog lover really feels the loss whereas the dog owner is usually unmoved and more inconvienced by the death and the squaking kids so they quickly replace the dead dog. The animal lover needs time to heal and remember the pet. Think of all the good times and go for a walk where she loved to go and you will feel her spirit, in time another dog will find you and you will know your original dog sent her. God bless. RIP